Report: Exciting free agent linked to West Ham could now replace £26m target Joao Mario

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Inter Milan’s transfer business has potential implications for West Ham.

West Ham’s desire to sign Joao Mario from Inter Milan could be aided, by a player they have been linked with for free.

Mario is keen to leave Inter and the Nerazzuri are closing in on a replacement.

Tuttomercatoweb report Inter have opened talks with France under-21 international Jonathan Bamba, who is out of contract at Saint Etienne.

Bamba has had an impressive season. The 22-year-old scored seven goals and provided eight assists and is looking like being one of the best summer bargains available.

Inter’s interest is understandable and West Ham may end up kicking themselves for not moving.

The Sun reported in February that West Ham were hopeful of securing Bamba to a pre-contract agreement, but that does not appear to have happened.

If Inter Milan feel Bamba is a superior option to Joao Mario, then West Ham should be thinking along the same lines too.

On a free transfer he is an extraordinary bargain, especially considering Inter are demanding £26 million for Joao Mario, the Evening Standard reported.

Bamba going to Inter may see the Serie A side lower their asking price for the Portugal international, but if Bamba is the better player, he is the one the Hammers should be focusing on.